A car linked to burglaries at Brackenfell and Bellville homes was recovered in Philippi East after a high-speed chase last Friday.
According to Brackenfell police spokeswoman Captain Erica Crous, the white Toyota Yaris was spotted in the vicinity of a burglary in Duverak Street, Protea Heights on Monday, November 18.
“A resident in the street broke one of the side mirrors of the car with his walking stick as the vehicle sped away from the crime scene,” she said.
The resident described the car to the police and gave them its licence number.
Just after 3pm last Friday, police spotted a car fitting its description – smashed tail lights as well as the broken mirror – in Hillcrest, Brackenfell but it had a different licence number.
Police continued to watch the car, and officers approached when two men climbed into it.
As they did so, the car sped off in the direction of Durbanville.
The car was spotted again in Voortrekker Road, Bellville and a high-speed chase followed on the R300.
The Yaris hit a security vehicle, but sped away again.
“The vehicle was followed into Philippi East where it was found abandoned after the suspects got away on foot. The vehicle was handed in at Bellville Vehicle Investigation Unit. Housebreaking implements, such as a crowbar and pickaxes, were found in the vehicle as well as jewellery,” said Captain Crous.
* Kuils River petrol stations have become a target for armed robbers, say police.
Of the four business robberies so far this month two were at petrol stations, says Kuils River police spokeswoman Sergeant Liesel Beukes.
The perpetrators are still at large.
At the Engen garage in Langverwacht Street just after 3am on Monday, robbers threatened to shoot staff and took cash, cigarettes and petrol.
No shots were fired and robbers fled in a Volkswagen Polo.
Petrol-station robberies usually happened between 2am and 4am, said Sergeant Beukes.
“It usually happens the same way: one or two perpetrators enter the convenience store at the petrol station as clients to purchase cigarettes or other goods, and then there are accomplices waiting outside. In most cases, they ask the petrol attendants how many staff are inside the convenience store.”
In this month’s petrol-station heists, the robbers had dressed in the staff uniform, she said.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to call Sergeant Denise Marlow at 0219005500 or 082 559 4683.
Businesses should take extra precautions during the festive season, Sergeant Beukes said.
“Beef up security and be vigilant for any suspicious behaviour or activity and report this to armed response companies and SAPS.”